Reflection on the Word in our Worship
St. Augustine of Hippo offers a deep reflection on the voice of John the Baptizer and the Word who is the Christ.
The voice came before the Word. How can the voice be before the Word?… We have heard that Christ is the Word; let us hear that John is the voice. When he was asked, “You then, who are you?” he answered, “I am the voice of one crying in the desert.” So if Christ is the Word, John the voice, John was taken over as the voice in order that the Word might be spoken to us. And that the Word might come to us, the voice preceded it. That is why it is both true that Christ was before John in eternity, and that all the same, he had not to be born first, unless John came to us before the Word as the voice. So there is going to be a time when we shall see the Word as he is seen by the angels; now, however, let us make progress in the Word, so that we may remain with him forever.
-St. Augustine, Sermon 293.A5 in Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture: John 1-10
The Collect for Advent 3
O Lord Jesus Christ, you sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Grant that the ministers and stewards of your mysteries may likewise make ready your way, by turning the hearts of the disobedient toward the wisdom of the just, that at your second coming to judge the world, we may be found a people acceptable in your sight; for with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The Word:
(Click on the links below to read Sunday's passages)
First Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18
Psalm 126 (posted below the Playlist)
Gospel Reading: John 1:19-28
A downloadable Home Liturgy with Spiritual Communion follows the Psalm
(click below to listen to Incarnation's Advent Playlist)
Psalm 126
1 When the Lord overturned the captivity of Zion, *
then were we like those who dream.
2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter *
and our tongue with shouts of joy.
3 Then they said among the nations, *
“The Lord has done great things for them.”
4 Indeed, the Lord has done great things for us already, *
whereof we rejoice.
5 Overturn our captivity, O Lord, *
as when streams refresh the deserts of the south.
6 Those who sow in tears *
shall reap with songs of joy.
7 He who goes on his way weeping and bears good seed *
shall doubtless come again with joy,
and bring his sheaves with him.
(from the New Coverdale Psalter as found in the 2019 Book of Common Prayer)